The bold plan of the new Korean President

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony at the National Assembly in Seoul on May 10, President Yoon called North Korea’s nuclear weapons program a “threat” to the region.

However, the successor of former President Moon Jae-in stressed that the door to dialogue and peaceful settlement was still open, and expressed his desire to help improve the lives of the Korean people in return for ensuring security. for Korea.

According to the radio CNNDuring the previous election campaign, Mr. Yoon pledged to take a tougher stance on North Korea, a departure from the approach taken by his predecessor, which promoted peaceful reconciliation.

Yoon also vowed not to ease sanctions or prepare a peace treaty until North Korea is active in complete and verifiable denuclearization.

Earlier this year, the 61-year-old new president said that South Korea will prepare a powerful military force that can prevent any provocation from North Korea. This year, North Korea has test-fired missiles 14 times, most recently on May 7.

President Yoon Suk-yeol took the oath of office in Seoul, South Korea on May 10 Photo: REUTERS

Besides North Korea, according to Reuters, South Korea’s 20th president also faces another big challenge after taking office, which is inflation. Inflation in South Korea has reached its highest level in more than 13 years, threatening the post-Covid-19 economic recovery.

Affirming that slow economic growth, rising unemployment and income disparities are the top obstacles, Mr. Yoon pledged to tackle it by focusing on science and technology development and innovation.

Yoon’s rise to power could also change Korea’s relationship with two major powers, the US and China. While pledging to strengthen the alliance with the US, Mr. Yoon will take a cautious approach regarding the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system.

Beijing has criticized the deployment of THAAD in South Korea, leading to years of diplomatic tension. US President Joe Biden is expected to hold talks with President Yoon during his visit to South Korea on May 20.